Pentagon sends warplanes to Diego Garcia as tensions rise with Iran

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.

While the Pentagon’s statement did not identify the aircraft, U.S. officials say at least four B-2 bombers have been relocated to the joint U.S.-British base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The base sits within striking distance of both Yemen and Iran, military experts noted.

The deployment signals Washington’s readiness to escalate military posturing in the region. It comes as attacks in Yemen intensify and concerns grow over Iran’s expanding influence across the Red Sea and Gulf corridors.

The Pentagon has not clarified whether the B-2s are intended for direct missions or strategic deterrence. Diego Garcia has historically served as a launch point for long-range operations across the Middle East and South Asia.

The decision also comes amid broader military realignments under the Trump administration, which has taken a more aggressive stance toward Iran and its regional allies.

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